This is the UFC 326 live blog for Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson, the main card lightweight bout Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Dober and Johnson have a combined 57 UFC appearances between them, so it’s somewhat surprising it’s taken this long for the two to share the octagon. Regardless, fireworks are expected as the veterans have numerous highlight-reel knockouts between them.
In his most recent fight, Dober (28-15, 1 NC) snapped a three-fight skid with a come-from-behind knockout of Kyle Prepolec at UFC Vancouver. The win bumped Dober’s UFC record up to 14-11 with one no-contest. He holds the record for the most knockouts in the history of the UFC lightweight division at 10.
Johnson (25-19) is in the midst of a late-career surge, having won three straight fights and four of his past five. Following a knockout loss to Diego Ferreira, Johnson went on to defeat Darrius Flowers, Ottman Azaitar, and Daniel Zellhuber. With a win, he’ll tie the longest win streak he’s had since making his UFC debut in 2010.
Check out the UFC 326 live blog for Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson below.
So, apparently there’s been some pretty wonky line movement heading into this one? That’s two fights in a row now that Michael Johnson has been involved in odds weirdness. Not sure what to think of it.
But unlike last time, this fight has not been cancelled. Game on!
Kerry Hatley the referee for this one.
Fighters content to strike from range to start, Johnson scores the first real points with a sharp 1-2. He’s mixing in leg kicks to set up the hands. Dober also letting the leg kicks fly. Johnson gets too close and eats a counter left, he’s going to want to watch out for that. Nice leg kick jab combo from Johnson. Short right hook by Dober. Close fight through the first half of the round.
Dober with another good right. He clips Johnson with an inside leg kick. Body kick by Dober, followed by a flash spin kick that doesn’t land. Johnson with another good 1-2. And another, that one bumping Dober off balance. It’s a tried-and-true formula and it’s working.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Johnson.
Dober with some big swings, but Johnson is staying sharp and controlling the range. He’s catching Dober with counter punches, too. Dober lands a left hand. He’s mixing in body work to open Johnson up. And there it is as he drives a huge left through Johnson’s face. Down Johnson goes and that’s a wrap.
Official result: Drew Dober def. Michael Johnson via TKO (strikes) (R2, 1:53)
Dober calls his punching power “a gift,” but he needs to have the smarts to use it well.
Alright, White House fights, incoming!
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